Carlos Tévez is troubled by feelings of homesickness and “wants to be among
his people” in Argentina, according to the Manchester City captain’s
team-mate and close friend, Roque Santa Cruz.

Tévez, who is expected to overcome a calf injury in time to face Wolves at Molineux this weekend, has complained regularly in recent months of his growing disaffection with life as a footballer.

The former Manchester United forward has also said this season that he is contemplating retirement from international football due to the strain of travelling to and from South America, insisting last month: “I’m here [in Argentina] more for the people and my family than for me.”

Paraguayan forward Santa Cruz, speaking to the Spanish radio station Cadena Sur, has revealed that Tévez’s separation from his family is a sensitive issue for the 26 year-old.

Santa Cruz said: “Your heart goes out to his family. He wants to be among his people, who are in Argentina. His siblings and his daughters are also there. When you feel that your homeland is calling you back, you could end up giving up everything to return.

“Still, I think that he will see it out until 2014 and fulfil his contract with City before returning home.”

Tévez’s relationship with City manager Roberto Mancini is fractious, with the two men clashing in the dressing-room during the 2-1 victory against Newcastle at Eastlands earlier this month, and Tévez has voiced his concerns over the Italian’s training methods.

Tensions were also heightened between the two while Tévez was on compassionate leave in Argentina in February following the premature birth of the player’s daughter, Katie.

Although Tévez had been granted permission by Mancini to return to Buenos Aires during the child’s period in intensive care, Mancini’s claim that the player’s absence had been a “big problem” for the club led to Tévez’s representative, Kia Joorabchian, defending his client by insisting a “serious problem with his family” was the sole factor in his 12-day stay in Argentina.

Tévez has been the driving force behind City’s impressive start to the season, scoring seven Premier League goals already this campaign and he still has three and a half years to run on his contract.

The player has often stressed his desire to return to Boca Juniors before the end of his career, but City remain confident that Tévez’s future at the club is secure.

Santa Cruz admits his own stay at City is likely to come to an end in January, however. The £17million buy from Blackburn has made just one appearance this season – in the Carling Cup defeat at West Brom – and was left out of Mancini’s 25-man Europa League squad.

He said: “Unfortunately I’m not playing as I’d like. The club has invested heavily, competition for places is great and I’m working every day to try and convince the coach [Mancini], but I’m still not getting picked.

“The situation is very complicated. I wanted to try my best, but I’m not getting the playing time to convince anybody and my priority is to leave in the January transfer market.

“The coach has opted for certain players and, on top of that, his system plays with only one striker.

“I’m 29 years old and still hope to fulfil my dream of playing in Spain. It is the dream of most South American players.

“My intention is to leave City in the January transfer window and I hope that it could be for the Spanish League.”

Santa Cruz added: “City’s goal must be to be among the top four, but we are below the level of those who will fight for the title.

“Chelsea look the strongest, most stable. Manchester United and Arsenal have great squads and will be up fighting for the title. We will have to play for fourth place, probably with Tottenham.”

The trouble with Carlos

Tug of war Joins West Ham, along with Javier Mascherano, in 2006 after refusing to play for his previous club, Corinthians, of Brazil. Is embroiled in controversy when it becomes clear Media Sports Investments owned their rights. West Ham are fined a record £5.5 million for breaching Premier League rules over the signings.

Sheffield steal West Ham cleared to play Tévez in the final match of the season against Manchester United. Scores only goal to keep West Ham in the Premier League – relegating Sheffield United in the process. West Ham eventually agree to pay Sheffield £20 million compensation.

Crossing the line Joins Manchester United in Aug 2007 on a two-year loan deal and becomes an instant hit with the fans, but the love affair ends when he hits out at not being given a permanent contract. Although United eventually agree to meet the £25.5m option fee, he instead makes shock move to Manchester City in July 2009.

Hard labour Voted Players’ Player of the Year after his first season at Eastlands, and made captain by Roberto Mancini, but falls out with the Italian after bitterly criticising his punishing training regime.